Chris Lighty, a hip-hop mogul who helped superstars like Sean “Diddy” Combs, 50 Cent and Mariah Carey attain hit records and lucrative careers outside music, was found dead in his New York City apartment Thursday in an alleged suicide. He was 44.

He was found at his home in the Bronx with a gunshot to the head and was pronounced dead there, police said. No note was recovered, but a 9 mm handgun was found and there was no sign of forced entry, said Paul Browne, New York police spokesman. The shooting appears to be self-inflicted, authorities said.

Twitter was abuzz with condolences just hours after the body was found around 11:30 a.m.

“R.I.P. Chris Lighty,” Fat Joe posted on his account. “The man that saved my life!” Diddy wrote: “In shock.” Rihanna posted: “Rest peacefully Chris Lighty, my prayers go out to family and loved ones! Dear God please have mercy.” And Mary J. Blige wrote: “U never know what can send a person over the edge or make them want 2 keep living. Take it easy on people.”

50 Cent said in a statement issued through his publicist that he was deeply saddened by the loss.

Source: Sun-Times/ Courtesy of Fox News